Which statement best describes curative vs preventative turf grass insect control?

• A. Curative control is applied before insects reach threshold; preventative after threshold.
• B. Curative control is applied after insects reach a threshold; preventative before presence.
• C. Curative control cures existing infestation; preventative blocks infestation.
• D. Curative and preventative control are the same.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is about when you act and why. Curative control targets pests after they’re already present and have reached a level where they’re causing or likely to cause damage. It’s about reducing or stopping an existing infestation. Preventative control, on the other hand, is applied before pests are present to stop them from establishing in the first place, often based on risk and anticipated pressure.

That’s why the best description is: curative control is applied after insects reach a threshold, while preventative control is applied before presence. This reflects the practical approach of using an economic threshold to trigger curative action, versus taking preemptive steps to keep pests from becoming a problem.

For context, think of threshold concepts as the point at which damage would outweigh the cost of control. Curative actions come into play once pests have crossed that line; preventative actions are taken to avoid crossing it in the first place.